Find insights and innovation at Pub18

A look ahead at bar and pub industry show Pub18 in London on February 6 and 7

The only dedicated trade show for the UK’s pub and bar industry, Pub18, is set to return on February 6 and 7, bringing together over 200 exhibitors, a line-up of inspirational speakers and a host of ideas and insight for operators and owners of pubs and bars.

Alongside mainstays such as the Pub Theatre, Taste Table sponsored by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and the Beer Writers Bar, the 2018 show will feature for the first time the New Brew Area showcasing the latest brewers, fresh drinks and innovations. There will also be a new Wine and Spirit Lounge presenting a selection of wine and spirits suppliers.

Speakers will include top chef Tom Kerridge who, after creating the first-ever two Michelin-star pub, the Hand & Flowers, in 2005, has now opened The Butcher’s Tap in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. Other speakers include bar and restaurant group The New World Trading Company’s managing director Chris Hill, Be At One bar group’s chief operations officer Andrew Stones, Fuller’s Inns’ managing director Jonathon Swaine, chef Henry Harris of Holborn Leisure Group, beer writer Pete Brown, and Anthony Pender, chairman of the BII and co-founder of Yummy Pub Co.

Visitors can also hear from Natalie Coleshill, licensee of the award-winning Milford Arms in west London, and this year’s business development manager of the year in the ALMR Operations Manager Awards, Yvonne Fraser from Greene King Pub Partners. The ALMR’s CEO, Kate Nicholls, is also speaking as well as the British Beer & Pub Association’s chief executive, Brigid Simmonds.

The latest in drinks will be showcased by specialists such as Cellar Trends and JBE Imports alongside producers including Poetic License, Warner Edwards and Westerhall Rums. There will be plenty of gin including Elephant Gin, Manchester Gin, Masons Yorkshire Dry Gin, McQueen Gin and Pinkster Gin as well as premium mixers such as Fentimans and Fever-Tree. Cocktail specialist Funkin will be launching its new draught cocktail solution.

Big Drop Brewing Co will present its beers, all with ABV of less than 0.5%, while Siren Craft Brew will be offer its line-up that includes new bourbon barrel-aged imperial porter Sheltered Spirit. Other brewers range from Bedlam in West Sussex and Pillars Brewery in Walthamstow to Brú in Ireland and La Goudale from France. Snacks to sample will include the likes of Burts Potato Chips, Pipers Crisps, The Snaffling Pig and The Biltong Company through to Cannon & Cannon cured meats.

The show is also a chance to find out about opportunities for running your own bar or pub with Star Pubs & Bars and the latest in training from HIT Training. Technology is also a key element from the likes of Bizimply and Newbridge Software. And if you are looking for something a bit different for your bar, there will be beer pong from Bar Pong and premium shuffling from European Shuffleboard.